What can trigger an attack of gout?

Gout can be triggered by medical or lifestyle factors:

Medical

Joint injury, infection, or severe, acute illness can all cause gout attacks. Patients should be aware that some medical treatments may contribute to gout. These include certain diuretics, the organ transplant-facilitating drug cyclosporine, and chemotherapy, among others.

Lifestyle

For most people, the greatest gout risk comes from lifestyle factors. These include crash diets, excessive consumption of alcohol or sugary sodas, and eating a diet heavy in red meat or shellfish.

What causes sudden gout flare-up?

Gout flare-ups are caused by an overabundance of uric acid. Uric acid is a compound created when the body breaks down purine-rich foods, including liver, mackerel, dried beans, and anchovies. High concentrations of uric acid make it more likely to crystallize, causing pain.

What is the main cause of gout?

Gout can be caused by a diet with many purine-heavy foods, by overconsumption of alcohol or sugary drinks, or by the effects of crash dieting. Many people experience gout flare-ups when they consume more alcohol than usual or when they drink for a prolonged period of time.

What is the first sign of gout?

Symptoms including swelling, redness, and tenderness in affected joints are usually noticeable before a painful “gout attack” happens. People with a history of gout should check the base of the big toe for changes that can alert them to a flare-up.
What foods should I avoid during a gout flare-up?
When managing a gout flare-up, it is important to discontinue consumption of beer and liquor right away. Other foods that should be reduced or eliminated include red meat, shellfish, liver, mackerel, and anchovies. All these foods contain a compound that leads to uric acid production.

Can gout be cured?

Gout cannot be cured. However, most patients can manage their symptoms and largely avoid gout flare-ups. Your doctor will discuss diet and lifestyle changes that may help. If symptoms are intense, persistent, or highly resistant to these changes, prescription medication can reduce the level of uric acid in the body. Anti-inflammatory medication is used during attacks.

Can stress cause a gout flare-up?

Emotional stress can contribute to gout flare-ups, especially when coupled with other illness or fatigue. In particular, medical stress – including hospital visits, surgery, and prolonged illness – is associated with a higher risk of a gout attack. On a day-to-day basis, managing your stress levels in a healthy way and getting enough sleep every night can lower the risk of an attack.

Why does gout hurt more at night?

Gout attacks are more common at night for a variety of reasons, which researchers believe may include lower body temperature, dehydration, and low cortisol. Ensuring you are adequately hydrated before bed and maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night may help.

How do you beat a gout attack?

In addition to restricting purine-rich foods, gout sufferers can benefit from over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medication. Gout pain can be reduced by soaking the affecting foot in cold water or applying an ice pack. If possible, avoid standing and walking.

For personalized help, contact South Shore Foot Care.